On Thursday 18 December St Paul’s Church, West Hackney, welcomed the Minister for Energy Consumers, Martin McCluskey MP, to see first-hand how the church is reducing its reliance on the fossil fuels by generating the majority of its power through solar energy.
During the visit, the Minister explored the church’s energy hub and roof to see its cutting-edge system in action. The setup includes 104 solar panels, four heat pumps, and three Tesla Powerwall batteries. In 2025 alone, this system generated 36.7 MWh of solar power, with 95% used on-site, meeting around three-quarters of the church’s electricity needs. At the height of summer, the building runs almost entirely on solar energy.
The church’s transformation was made possible through a partnership between community energy company, Stokey Energy, Hackney Council and the Diocese of London.
This project demonstrates how local churches can lead the way in reducing emissions by moving away from gas and embracing clean electricity. Across the Diocese of London, 30% of churches have already completed energy and net zero audits, creating clear plans to decarbonise and improve energy efficiency. The Diocese also facilitates collaboration between churches, church schools, community energy groups, and local authorities to accelerate the rollout of low-carbon solutions.
Archdeacon of Hackney, The Ven Peter Farley-Moore; Deputy Mayor of London for Environment, Mete Coban; and the Mayor of Hackney, Caroline Woodley, also attended the visit.
Rector of St Paul’s Church, West Hackney, Fr. Brandon Fletcher-James, said:
“St Paul’s Church is now primarily powered by the sun, lowering our energy bills and reducing our reliance on the fossil fuels. We are taking our responsibility to be stewards of God’s creation seriously by embracing modern technology that lowers our carbon footprint and shows how even churches and community buildings can be transformed for a sustainable future.”
Minister for Energy Consumers, Martin McCluskey MP, said:
“The energy hub at St Paul’s Church shows how clean heat can transform local community spaces, and it was fantastic to see it in action. The church’s solar panels and heat pumps will not only keep visitors warm this Christmas – they are making the building cleaner and cheaper to run.”
Net Zero Carbon Programme Lead at the Diocese of London, Sue Willsher, said:
“St Paul’s, West Hackney, sets a powerful example for what can be achieved when churches work with community energy partners to deliver practical, low-carbon solutions. This success is part of our wider Net Zero Carbon programme, which has already supported 30% of churches to have energy and net zero carbon audits across the Diocese of London, helping these parishes develop clear plans to cut emissions. We remain committed to our ambition to support every church and school across the Diocese to decarbonise and become more energy efficient.”
For more information on the Diocese of London’s Net Zero Carbon programme, visit https://www.london.anglican.org/church-and-parish-support/creation-care/net-zero-carbon/.
